We get it, talking about money can be as comfortable as wearing stilettos on a hike. But hey, let’s toss those awkward vibes aside for a sec and have a real chat about what it really costs to invest in your relationship. From the moolah you might drop on a dinner date to the real deal of couples therapy, we’re about to spill the tea on the dollars and sense (see what I did there?) of giving your relationship the TLC it deserves.
Understanding the cost of couples therapy
Let’s talk real talk: when it comes to saving your relationship, is there a price tag on love, trust, and those ‘good morning’ cuddles?
Couples counseling in this sun-kissed paradise isn’t exactly the same as a casual brunch bill. Nope, we’re not discussing avocado toast prices here. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of investing in your love story. Sure, it might not come cheap – I mean, those coastal vibes and stunning sunsets don’t come for free, and neither does a therapist’s time and expertise.
In sunny San Diego, the cost of couples counseling can be as varied as the shades of sunset over the Pacific. From swanky beachside therapists charging more than a designer handbag to down-to-earth professionals offering affordable sessions, the price range is as diverse as the city itself. So, while it might not be a bargain bonanza, the investment in your relationship could be the best decision you make, second only to choosing the perfect fish taco joint.
When choosing a therapist, finances are a major factor. Yes, going to counseling will cost money, but, going to therapy with your partner is an investment in your relationship. It’s okay to give your relationship priority over other things in your life. Putting the financial backing into repairing and securing your relationship is the first step to giving your relationship the priority it deserves.
As we mentioned above, the cost of couples counseling in San Diego can vary depending on several factors such as the therapist’s experience, qualifications, and location. Typically, the cost of a 50-60 minute session of couples counseling in San Diego ranges from $100 to $300, with an average cost of around $150-$200 per session.
Some therapists may offer a sliding scale fee based on your income and ability to pay, while others may accept insurance. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to see if they cover couples therapy and if the therapist you are interested in is in-network with your insurance plan.
It’s also important to keep in mind that investing in your relationship through therapy can have long-lasting benefits and can help you improve communication, strengthen your emotional connection, and work through challenges as a team.
Here at Estes Therapy, our fees range from $100-$220 per couples counseling session. Estes Therapy does offer some options for reduced fees based on income and other factors.
Find the BEST fit, not the cheapest option.
Don’t take the “one size fits all” approach and search for the cheapest therapist in Carlsbad. Whether your marriage has been affected by a significant event – an affair, a sudden illness, or job loss – or you feel like there is more and more conflict with less resolution, your relationship may be at a critical point. Getting help now can help you feel closer to your partner than ever and give you both the tools to navigate future conflicts or life changes. You want to find the therapist that will best fit your needs, not the cheapest. Investing in your marriage will save you money and heartache from having to repeatedly find a new counselor who is a better fit for you, or even, at worst, divorce.
Low-Cost Counseling
With that in mind, most therapists will offer low-fee slots. This will come with the caveat of being at non-peak times or via a service such as Telehealth. Another option is to look for an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). These are therapists who have their Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy along with clinical hours under their belt, but have yet to sit for their licensing exam. You can read more about AMFTs here.
Is It Worth The Cost?
Yes. If you are dedicated to your relationship and truly want to put in the effort, it is worth every cent. Therapy will help you work through the obstacles in your relationship and work together to face the obstacles in each of your individual lives. You will garner tools to be able to understand yourself better, express yourself, and recognize your negative cycle as the problem, not you or your partner.
What are some ways to save money to budget for counseling?
There are big steps you can take: put off that vacation or buy a cheaper used car instead of leasing one. But even more so, there are plenty of smaller changes you can make to help budget for this. This could look like making coffee in the mornings, packing a lunch for work, not buying name-brand items, or having a date night in instead of going out.
There are plenty of money-managing apps, such as Mint, to help you with managing your budget.
Whether you are looking to start of your marriage with a more stable foundation through premarital counseling, or if you need help working through an obstacle – whether that is an affair or poor communication – the sooner you start couples counseling, the sooner you heal your relationship and your self.
You can check out our low fee couples counseling options here.
